Pennies for Patients drive a personal cause

Students at Davie Elementary School learned a penny can go a long way through their participation in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Pennies for Patients program.

The school raised nearly $3,000 for the organization, which helps fund scientific research toward medicine, cures and other advances through grants.

Assistant Principal Monica Schlosser said students were motivated knowing they were helping a schoolmate's sibling, who has been battling lymphoma since birth.

"We just felt that this opportunity was near and dear to our Davie hearts," she said. "We wanted to be able to give back and help out one of our local families through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I think that was one of the biggest selling points."

The children also were excited to help the cause knowing that the winning grade level, which this year was first, got a popcorn party, and the winning class, which was Scott Bentolila's first-graders, received a pizza party. The 18 students in the top class got to spray silly string on Principal Robert Schneider in front of the school.

"Winning the contest is fun, and we are all happy, but I told my students that even if we didn't win, we still won through our donations," Bentolila said.

One of his students, Izabella Mendez, emptied her piggy bank for the cause.

"The best part of collecting pennies was that I am giving children life," she said.

The school, which previously took part in the campaign from 2007 to 2009, was one of more than 150 schools that participated. Rhonda Siegel, campaign manager for the group's Southern Florida chapter, was happy to have the school return to the program in such a strong way.

"I was very excited through Mrs. Schlosser's excitement," she said. "We were so happy to get the school back on board this year. … Our average from last year is about $1,700 per school, so for them to raise more than that in their first year back is very exciting. … This program really gives the opportunity for students to make a difference in other people's lives that need their help. It's giving them the opportunity to save lives."